DovesThe Last BroadcastCapitol RecordsThe Doves are a trio that formed in 1998 in Manchester, England. In 2000 they released their debut album, Lost Souls, which was such a great CD the Doves instantly achieved global recognition. They were playing sold out shows here in America and people were requesting them on their local radio stations. And now, two years later, the Doves are back for round two. The Last Broadcast shows a whole other side of the Doves, musically and lyrically. Not that their whole style has changed or anything but you can tell they have developed and progressed musically as a group through the past two years. This album is quality. If you are looking for music that's just good on all aspects this CD is for you. A great chill CD that's not boring. There's so much going on in every track it keeps your attention and takes you by the hand to another place. These guys kind of got like this whole Radiohead/Coldplay kind of artsy type of sound to them. Whereas the DJ Quik CD (reviewed elsewhere in this issue) is for getting a party started, this is for after the party. Every song on this CD is great, but a few tracks totally stand out. "Words" has a good flow to it, and "There Goes The Fear" is an uplifting tune that somehow relaxes the listener. The material on the whole has that affect. Try this CD, you might like it. And make sure you give the last track a listen. "Caught By The River" is excellent. For more info see www.doves.net. -chux
Avril LavigneLet GoAristaAvril Lavigne's Let Go is more "Complicated" than her first hit song portrays her to be: she isn't as simple as she seems. Her musical style shouldn't be defined as punk, pop, rock, or country. She has managed to pull off a combination of all of these styles in one album. She has a soothing, syrupy voice with an impressive range that includes some yodeling sounds and even a little rapping. Avril's musical style is comparable to that of a young Alanis Morissette with a twist of punk/country that varies from song to song. Another appealing quality of this 17-year old is her tomboy look. She manages to make baggy pants and a backward baseball cap quite attractive. The handwritten lyrics in her CD cover appear to be right out of her diary - sincere if a bit sophomoric. A common theme throughout her songs is "be yourself" and "don't judge a book by its cover." I avoid the pop princesses, but I feel that Avril has a much more powerful message for young music listeners. Plus, she writes her own songs and plays guitar. Don't judge this young girl for her baggy threads and tomboy style. Avril is a talented young artist that doesn't need to rely on her sex appeal to sell her albums. If she can keep up with herself, we will be seeing more of her as she continues to grow into adulthood and as an artist. -Jessica
DJ QuikUnder The InfluenceBungalo Records / UniversalWhat more can I say, it's DJ Quik. Ignore the charts and critics, DJ Quik has never lost it. He's one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, responsible for numerous hits and beats that are unique. This sixth album, Under The Influence, seems to me a bit more experimental than the previous releases, but it still carries the party spirit. His style is like a futuristic, evolved style of funk, resembling the sounds of Parliament or sometimes like a '70s porno film soundtrack. However you characterize it, DJ Quik knows how to get you moving. Under The Influence comes at you a little differently though. A few tracks still carry the G-Funk soul, but there are others like the O.G. DJ Quik from back in the day. I actually had the opportunity to meet him earlier in 2002 and interview him for a local radio station here in L.A., and I have to say he is one of the realest guys I've ever met. After the Q and A he was cool enough to just talk casually about the new work and his old friend Hi-C (who, incidentally, is coming back with a lot of things to say). Quik also has a lot to say and he indicated at the time that he would be setting some people straight in his new album (on that note: make sure you listen closely to tracks one and nine). The intro features Hi-C, Talib Kweli, and Shyheim Da Kid. "Trouble" features AMG and "Put It on Me" was produced by Dr. Dre - it's one of the dopest Quik songs to date. This is a definite must-have for all you true hip-hop heads. And fellas, just to let you know, playing a DJ Quik album for the ladies is a definite way to get the party started. Try it. www.dj-quik.net. -chux